What is replacing the International Space Station?

The end of the ISS program will lead to a fragmentation of international space projects, with new parallel alliances forming and competing goals.

Which countries are forming new space alliances for lunar missions?

New alliances include Russia and China working together, and the US, Europe, Canada, and Japan collaborating under the Artemis program.

What are the main motivations behind the new moon race?

The primary drivers are geopolitical positioning and demonstrating a stake in lunar development, rather than purely scientific endeavors or immediate commercial returns.

Home / Science / New Space Race: Moon Missions Spark Global Rivalry

New Space Race: Moon Missions Spark Global Rivalry

2 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Two new space alliances are forming to establish lunar presence.
Russia and China are partnering for joint lunar missions.
Geopolitics, not science, primarily drives the new moon race.

New Space Race: Moon Missions Spark Global Rivalry

The International Space Station's impending retirement in 2030 signifies a pivotal transition, moving from decades of international cooperation to a splintering of global space ambitions. Two major alliances are now shaping the future of space exploration, with a particular focus on lunar missions.

One bloc consists of Russia and China, who are strengthening their partnership with plans for joint lunar missions and a shared research station. This collaboration is fueled by Russia's rocket capabilities and China's technological advancements. On the opposing side, the United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan are advancing their own lunar programs under the Artemis initiative, driven largely by geopolitical aims and a desire for continued leadership in space.